TASTE 2022 – Information for Members
Hello Wellington West member merchants!
Please find below all the key information you need to know for this year’s TASTE of Wellington West festival on Saturday, September 24, 2022. Should you have any further questions, please attend our information session on Monday, September 19 from 9:00am-10:00am via Zoom. Check your email for instructions.
TASTE 2022 – QUICK FACTS
- What? Annual, community-wide festival across Hintonburg and Wellington Village where restaurants offer samples and businesses host entertainment and sidewalk sales, etc., to fundraise for our permanent charity partner, the Parkdale Food Centre.
- When? Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 11:00am-4:00pm with staggered sampling times throughout
- Who? Member merchants and community associations from across the BIA
- Why? The Parkdale Food Centre makes our city a home, one meal at a time. They serve accessible, nutritious food to our neighbours in need by providing a safe, welcoming space and community programming. To learn more about the Parkdale Food Centre and their initiatives, check out our interview with Karen Secord, the PFC Executive Director, and visit their website here.
TASTE 2022 – KEY LINKS
- TASTE Festival Page (sampling schedule, festival information, etc.)
TASTE 2022 – FAQs
What’s TASTE all about?
TASTE is Hintonburg and Wellington Village’s annual one-day festival where more than 100 neighbourhood restaurants and shops come together to offer free food samples, performances, sales and specials from Island Park to the O-Train tracks – all in support of the Parkdale Food Centre, our permanent charity partner.
You can expect:
Amazing food: More than three dozen of our area’s restaurants, caterers and food vendors will be serving up by-donation samples to raise funds for the Parkdale Food Centre.
Fun for all ages: All along and around Wellington West, you’ll find free, family-friendly entertainment and activities all day long! Music, arts and crafts, buskers – you name it! Of course, also the community coming together in support of our neighbours in need.
What is the date and time for the TASTE Festival?
This years’ TASTE Festival is Saturday, September 24; the event will run from 11:00am-4:00pm, with staggered sampling windows throughout the day.
What if the weather is bad?
Anything short of torrential rain, the festival will go on! So be prepared and have a tent or canopy in case of showers.
What COVID-19 safety/health measures will be in place?
The Wellington West BIA follows all City of Ottawa COVID-19 guidelines and we expect our merchants to do the same to keep our community safe. If there is a mask mandate in effect, we will follow that requirement and expect all merchants, staff, and guests to do the same.
How many samples do I need to provide?
In years past, food establishments have offered up to 400 samples and watched them disappear! Remember that they are samples and need only be a bite or two – just a TASTE! We would suggest a minimum of 200 samples.
If I don’t offer samples, how else can I participate?
There are many ways you can participate! You can offer a TASTE-themed in-store discount, host a musician, busker, artist or other entertainment, create a special display, demonstration, or information booth, hold a sidewalk sale – the sky’s the limit!
Can I offer drinks instead of food?
Absolutely! Samples of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are an excellent option. Please remember to check identification if serving alcohol to the public. Even if it’s just a sample, the rules still apply!
If I am not a food establishment can I still offer food samples?
No problem! In the past, we have had typically non-food related merchants participate by handing out food samples of some of their vendors e.g. jams, drink mixes, chocolate bars, etc.
Is there compensation for expenses incurred?
As a fundraiser for the Parkdale Food Centre, your participation acts as your contribution to raising funds for this irreplaceable community organization. This year, we’re aiming to raise $10,000 before the end of TASTE season on October 31, 2022.
If I sign-up to provide samples, what support does the BIA provide?
First-off, thank you! Everyone who signs up to provide free samples will be given a package that includes: a Parkdale Food Centre donation jar and a window card that lets your customers know that you are a participant. Additionally, your business will be listed on our website and in the September issue of Kitchissippi Times, mentioned in our Weekly Wednesday newsletter, and promoted via our social media channels. For more information on member merchant incentives, visit our website here. Please note that registrations for this year’s TASTE have closed.
How is money collected for Parkdale Food Centre?
Your Parkdale Food Centre donation jar will be prominently displayed where you are handing out samples. Please encourage customers to donate! Alongside donations collected by members, the Wellington West BIA will have event sponsors and promotions fundraising money for the Parkdale Food Centre. Volunteers will collect money from the jars throughout the day and at the end of the festival.
Are there volunteers available to support our involvement?
Please let us know if you require volunteers in order to participate and we can reach out to our network. Email us at projects@wellingtonwest.ca!